The Denver-Boulder area is establishing itself as a major player in the aerospace industry, with a growing cluster of businesses that are working on complex national security needs and building innovative products. According to a CNBC analysis, aerospace has seen an 88% growth in the past two decades, making it the fastest-growing emerging industry in the region. Currently, there are 191 aerospace businesses supporting 29,000 jobs in the area.
One of the factors that have contributed to the region’s success is its access to talent. Dylan Taylor, chairman and CEO of Voyager Space, highlighted Denver as a top choice for growth due to its talent pool and government support. The region also benefits from an emerging venture capital market, especially in the Boulder corridor. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Ursa Major, and True Anomaly are among the many aerospace businesses that have established a presence in the area.
The Denver-Boulder area’s corporate roster includes both established prime contractors and innovative startups. United Launch Alliance, BAE Systems, RTX, Sierra Space, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, and Voyager Space are just a few of the companies contributing to the region’s aerospace industry. Voyager Space, for instance, has made seven acquisitions so far and is looking to enter the public markets. Their most high-profile project, Starlab, aims to replace the aging International Space Station.
The region’s success in the aerospace industry can also be attributed to its collaborative approach. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper emphasized that the community works together rather than competing against each other. This collaborative mindset has allowed companies like Voyager to thrive in the region.
In addition to established companies, startups are also finding success in the Denver-Boulder area. Orbit Fab, a startup focused on building “gas stations” in space to refuel satellites, moved to Colorado from Silicon Valley due to the larger aerospace workforce in the area. The company has seen significant growth since the move and counts the U.S. military, specifically the Space Force, among its biggest customers.
The region’s robust military presence, including three U.S. Space Force bases, the U.S. Space Operations Command, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, also contributes to its success. Col. Heidi Dexter, commander of Space Base Delta 2 at Buckley Space Force Base, highlighted the partnerships with local defense contractors and startups as crucial to driving down the cost of space operations and innovating quickly for national defense.
The Denver-Boulder area’s emergence as a major aerospace hub is attracting young talent and entrepreneurs. Colorado now has more private aerospace employees per capita than any other state, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to grow. The success of the region’s aerospace industry is a testament to the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of the Denver-Boulder community.
Overall, the Denver-Boulder area’s aerospace industry is booming, with significant growth over the past two decades. The region’s access to talent, government support, and collaborative environment have attracted both established companies and startups. With its strong presence in space, the Denver-Boulder area is solidifying its position as a key player in the aerospace industry.
